What happens when body temperature rises above the set point during exercise?

When body temperature rises above the set point during exercise, the body's natural response is to enhance cooling mechanisms, primarily through increased sweating. As physical activity generates heat, the hypothalamus detects this rise in temperature and signals the sweat glands to produce more sweat. When the sweat evaporates from the skin surface, it cools the body down, helping to maintain a stable internal temperature.

This physiological response is crucial during exercise when the body generates significant amounts of heat. Increased perspiration helps prevent overheating, which can be dangerous and impede physical performance. While other responses such as increased blood flow to the skin may also occur to aid in heat loss, the primary and most noticeable response relevant to cooling is the increase in sweating.